The 18-year-old Crusaders player was spotted by Eric Ely, the assistant coach at Oral Roberts University, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during a recent visit to England.

Pope, who attended Blue Coat School in Coventry, has been given a place at the Metro Christian Academy in Tulsa, where he will finish his High School education and play basketball. He will then hope to win a place at Oral Roberts University.

Pope came to Coventry in July, 1999 when his father Derrick joined Crusaders and, as a highly promising 14-year-old player, he then made club history by becoming the youngest ever senior team member.

Since then, Pope's game has gone from strength to strength, seeing him become one of the most talented point guards in the national league.

Crusaders open their season in the new English Basketball League tonight when they entertain Westminster at Coventry Sports Centre (7.30pm).